Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

A series of fake Catholic newspapers have resurfaced in several U.S. swing states, sparking reactions from Catholic dioceses and bishops who are disavowing the publications ahead of the presidential election. These papers are seen as part of what communication scholars refer to as "pink slime" journalism.

ProPublica, an investigative journalism nonprofit, reported on October 20 that these publications, known as the "Catholic Tribune," have reappeared in states like Michigan, Nevada, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These states play a crucial role in determining which candidate will secure the necessary 270 electoral college votes to win the presidency.

The Catholic Tribune presents itself in a traditional newspaper format but lacks a masthead listing its publisher or editors. It draws content from diocesan directories and other sources without bylines or original reporting while urging readers to vote on issues such as abortion and religious liberty.

In particular, ProPublica noted that a print version in Wisconsin sought to "undermine Vice President Kamala Harris and prop up former President Donald Trump." This is significant because Catholic voters are considered key demographics in these swing states.

Several bishops and dioceses criticized the publications for falsely claiming to represent church interests. The Archdiocese of Detroit stated that it was aware of the Michigan Catholic Tribune being mailed out but emphasized that it was not endorsed by them. They also pointed out that the publication does not have authorization under Canon law to call itself Catholic.

Canon 216 specifies that no undertaking should claim the name Catholic without ecclesiastical consent. Additionally, U.S. tax code prohibits churches from engaging in partisan politics under section 501(c)(3).

ProPublica traced these papers back to a Chicago-based network led by former TV reporter Brian Timpone. Over two decades, Timpone has been involved with networks where advertising and political partisanship overshadow journalistic integrity.

Since 2019, Priyanjana Bengani at Columbia Journalism School's Tow Center for Digital Journalism has tracked these partisan outlets posing as local news organizations using algorithmically generated stories—a tactic linked to electoral disinformation.

The Tow Center's report detailed Metric Media and its Catholic Tribune sites as examples of prolific pink slime journalism filling gaps left by legitimate local news outlets folding due to funding shortages.